Name: Broccoli And Feta Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); ¾ cup milk (any type, dairy or non-dairy); ½ cup olive oil; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 cup (about 120g) finely chopped fresh broccoli florets; ¾ cup (about 90g) crumbled feta cheese; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Broccoli And Feta Brownies

These savory brownies are a cozy, unexpected cross between a dense quick bread and a vegetable-packed savory square — perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a nostalgic family snack. Creamy feta and bright broccoli bring a satisfying contrast in texture and flavor, while simple pantry ingredients keep this recipe approachable. If you love inventive vegetable bakes, you might also enjoy a hearty stir-fry like this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry for another weeknight favorite.

Why make this recipe
If you’re tired of the same steamed veggies and uninspired sides, this recipe is perfect because it transforms broccoli into something portable, flavorful, and a little bit indulgent without being heavy. It’s an easy way to get greens into picky eaters, doubles as a snack or light meal, and travels well for lunches or potlucks.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
¾ cup milk (any type, dairy or non-dairy)
½ cup olive oil
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup (about 120g) finely chopped fresh broccoli florets
¾ cup (about 90g) crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Broccoli And Feta Brownies

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for at least 15–20 minutes so it stabilizes. Generously grease an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) square baking pan with olive oil or nonstick spray. For easier removal, line it with parchment paper leaving an overhang on two sides.
Prepare Broccoli
Steam the finely chopped broccoli florets until crisp-tender, about 3–5 minutes. Quickly transfer them to a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and preserve the bright green color. Drain thoroughly and press out any excess water with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels — this is a critical step to prevent a watery batter.
Prepare Feta and Eggs
Crumble the feta into small, bite-sized pieces if it isn’t already crumbled. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better emulsification; if they’re straight from the fridge, pop them into a bowl of warm water for 5–10 minutes.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Whisk until evenly distributed.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, olive oil, and the two room-temperature eggs until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.
Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, stir until just combined. Avoid over-mixing — a few small lumps are fine and will keep the brownies tender.
Fold in Broccoli, Feta, and Parsley
Gently fold in the steamed and thoroughly dried broccoli, crumbled feta, and optional parsley. Use a gentle folding motion to distribute the inclusions evenly without mashing them.
Transfer and Bake
Spoon the batter into the prepared 8×8-inch pan and spread it evenly. Smooth the top so it bakes uniformly. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool Completely
Remove the pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30–45 minutes so they firm up — this makes cutting neater and prevents crumbling.
Slice, Serve, and Store
Use the parchment overhang to lift the slab out of the pan onto a cutting board. Slice into 9 or 16 squares depending on how generous you want portions to be. These are lovely warm or at room temperature.

Best Way to Store Broccoli And Feta Brownies

At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat.
In the refrigerator: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days — refrigeration helps extend freshness because of the dairy.
In the freezer: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

How to Present Broccoli And Feta Brownies (Serving Suggestions for Broccoli And Feta Brownies)

As a savory snack: Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of tangy yogurt or labneh and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Light lunch: Pair a square with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and a handful of toasted seeds for crunch.
Appetizer platter: Cut into small squares and arrange with olives, roasted red peppers, and slices of crusty bread for a Mediterranean-style spread.
Brunch: Top with a poached or soft-boiled egg and a drizzle of chili oil for a satisfying brunch item.

Tips to make Broccoli And Feta Brownies
Q: How do I keep them moist?
A: Make sure not to overcook; remove them when a toothpick shows a few moist crumbs. Also do not over-dry the broccoli — just press out excess water, but some retained moisture helps texture.

Q: Can I make them ahead?
A: Yes — bake, cool completely, then refrigerate and gently reheat in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) for 8–10 minutes when you’re ready to serve.

Q: How to prevent crumbling when cutting?
A: Cool completely and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water, wiped dry between cuts.

Variations and Substitutions

Spinach & Herb Twist: Replace the broccoli with an equal amount of wilted, squeezed-dry spinach and swap parsley for chopped dill. This gives a softer texture and herby brightness.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour and add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder if the blend lacks leavening agents. Be mindful that texture may be slightly different.

Notes on ingredients and small swaps:

Milk: Use any milk you have; oat or almond milk works well and keeps the batter dairy-light if desired.
Feta: Use a block of feta and crumble yourself for the best texture. If feta is very salty, rinse briefly and pat dry.

FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Thaw and steam briefly, then press out all excess water before folding into the batter. Frozen broccoli tends to release more moisture, so extra pressing is important.

Q: Is feta necessary?
A: Feta provides acidity, salt, and creaminess. If you must substitute, try crumbled goat cheese or ricotta salata for similar tang. Mild cheeses (like mozzarella) will change the flavor profile significantly.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free milk and replace feta with a plant-based crumbly cheese. Texture and tang will vary, but it’s a workable option.

What to watch for while baking

Don’t skip the cooling step: savory brownies need time to set so they slice cleanly.
Avoid over-mixing batter once wet and dry are combined — this keeps the crumb tender.
Keep an eye in the last 5 minutes of baking; ovens vary and you want golden edges without drying the center.

A little troubleshooting

Too soggy in the middle? That usually means excess moisture from the broccoli or under-baking. Press broccoli drier next time and bake an extra 3–5 minutes, checking frequently.
Too dense? You may have over-mixed or packed the flour. Measure flour properly (spoon and level) and mix just until combined.

Variation (if any)

Comparison-style: Broccoli vs. Spinach — Broccoli gives a bit more bite and visible green flecks; spinach yields a softer, greener interior and blends into the batter more. Pick broccoli if you want texture; pick spinach for a milder, smoother result.

Extra tips for scaling and timing

Halving: Use a 6×6-inch pan and reduce baking time by about 5–8 minutes, checking for doneness.
Doubling: Use a 9×13-inch pan and extend baking time to 35–45 minutes, until golden and set in the center.
Make-ahead: Bake the day before, refrigerate, and warm gently before serving. Flavors often mellow and improve after resting.

Pairing ideas

Drinks: A crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc), dry rosé, or a light herbal tea complement these squares nicely.
Sides: Sharp tomato salad, lemony couscous, or grilled halloumi are excellent companions.

Final reminders on technique

Size and chop: Finely chop broccoli so it spreads evenly; larger chunks can produce uneven bites.
Salt balance: Feta is salty; taste carefully if using salted butter or additional seasoning elsewhere. Adjust salt in batter accordingly.

FAQs (continued)

How long can I make these ahead?
You can bake them and keep refrigerated up to 7 days, or freeze for up to a month. Reheat gently so feta doesn’t dry out.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes — finely grated carrot or zucchini (well-squeezed) can be folded in, but they will alter moisture levels; reduce milk slightly if adding watery veg.
Quick FAQ list:
- Q: Are they vegetarian? A: Yes, these are suitable for ovo-lacto vegetarians.
- Q: Can kids eat them? A: Usually yes — the cheese and mild spices make them kid-friendly.
- Q: Do they reheat well? A: Yes, reheat in a low oven, toaster oven, or microwave briefly.

Conclusion

For another variation that highlights the same savory-sweet-broccoli idea, take a look at Broccoli and Feta Brownie Bars – Hungry Happens which offers an alternate take and serving suggestions. If you want a green-and-cheese savory square with a leafy twist, this recipe collection includes Spinach and Feta Brownies – iFoodReal.com, which is useful for comparing textures and flavor balances across similar bakes.

Enjoy baking — these Broccoli And Feta Brownies are versatile, forgiving, and a gentle way to bring more veggies into everyday meals.